On Thursday, coach Mike Sullivan informed reporters that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is battling an upper-body injury and will be evaluated before Friday’s Game 6 against the New York Rangers.
In the second period of Wednesday’s 5-3 defeat to the Rangers, Crosby was hurt after absorbing a high check from defender Jacob Trouba. Crosby exited with 6:50 remaining in the period and did not return.
According to Sullivan, Crosby will be assessed once the Penguins return to Pittsburgh on Thursday.
“We can win games no matter who’s in our lineup,” Sullivan said. “We have a lot of depth at every position. We are certain that we have what it takes to win. This organization has always believed in the ‘next guy up.'”
The coach refused to elaborate on Crosby’s injuries or say if Trouba’s hit should result in NHL disciplinary action.
Trouba will not face a hearing or be punished for his hit on Crosby, the league said on Thursday.
Crosby departed the game with the Penguins leading 2-0. The Rangers scored three goals in less than three minutes of the second period, cutting the Penguins’ series advantage to 3-2.
Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Hart Trophy winner, is tied for third in the playoffs with nine points in five games.
